Mission: The purpose of the corporation is to stimulate a more vital rural economy, to maximize community control over our future economic destiny, and to expand opportunities for low and moderate income residents of franklin county
Geographic areas served: Western Massachusetts
Programs: The western massachusetts food processing center's mission is to promote economic development through entrepreneurship, provide opportunities for sustaining local agriculture, and promote best practices for food producers. The food processing center (fpc) is a national model. It offers a fully equipped commercial kitchen for member use, co-packing capabilities and has been focusing on helping farmers and other clients add value to local food, including a vegetable freezing operation that puts locally produced produce in local schools. For the year ended june 30, 2015, a total of forty-six businesses used the facility. Since the fpc opened in 2001, over 300 farms and food businesses have used it, producing hundreds of products, creating millions of dollars of sales, adding value to hundreds of thousands of pounds of regionally grown crops and creating almost 100 jobs. Included in part viii, statement of revenue lines 1e and 1f were $280,699 of grants for this program, of which $66,363 was paid to subawardees.
The business development program consists of assistance to business owners with business planning, structuring an organization, creating a business plan, setting goals, marketing, operating controls, and creating a financial plan. This program has expanded its reach to now include hampshire and northern berkshire counties. A total of 414 clients were supported this past year, with 115 of them receiving more than five hours of assistance. Included in part viii, statement of revenue lines 1e and if were $382,852 of grants for this program, of which $109,418 was paid to subrecipients, and $77,793 was used for fiscal sponsors.
Johnwaite
Professional with expertise in this field
10/12/2016
Rating: 5
10/12/2016
The community members that started this organization back in 1979 had tremendous vision. The FCCDC has been providing useful services to small businesses for all these years. Whether it's help with a business plan, capital to start or grow a business, space to work, or equipment and expertise for food businesses, the FCCDC has the staff and resources to make it easier for entrepreneurs throughout Franklin, Hampshire and Berkshire Counties.
I have been involved with the FCCDC for over 10 years; First as a client of the Technical Assistance Program, which proved to be an invaluable resource when launching my small business. I was enthralled by the people and culture of service to the local community and began to volunteer whenever possible. Gaining a more up-close perspective I was quickly impressed by the dedication and efficiency with which the staff put their considerable skills to work towards the mission of supporting small businesses and the local economy. As a Board Member I have been privileged to participate in an organization that is a model of community enterprise and an indispensable member of the region.
jocee
Professional with expertise in this field
10/08/2016
Rating: 5
10/08/2016
FCCDC is a fantastic resource for people developing new food products as well as those considering a new business venture. And the FCCDC is a model across New England for their innovative programs and services. Franklin County and the region are fortunate to have this resource so close by!
ArthurH
Professional with expertise in this field
10/06/2016
Rating: 5
10/06/2016
I work with the lender so we can help borrowers become more profitable using the loans which we make. Great place to work, wonderful, committed people.
The other day I was buying some Katalyst Komboucha and was telling a fellow shopper how the company got started in FC CDCs food processing center. Also about how many other businesses they've helped start-up and grow. Through my work, I'm familiar with a lot of organizations around the country, that support entrepreneurial efforts. And in my opinion, they're one of the best out there. We here in the valley, are very lucky to have them.
